An old proverb mentioned in a 1970s song by David Gates suggests a picture paints a thousand words. I suggest a single word can paint a thousand pictures in the minds of prolific readers who develop extensive vocabularies. Consider the word barbecue.

Locals in search of alternative Christmas celebrations swapped pop-laden carols for traditional tunes and hot cocoa for tea during Saturday events at the Midway Museum and Fort Morris State Historic Site.

Tis the season to be jolly, but, unfortunately, it also is the season to be "trashy." It is true that the Christmas season brings many wonderful things to us - family gatherings, a spiritual uplift, a reminder of mankind's goodness. But it also brings a significant increase in litter.

The infamous surprise attack by Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor and Wheeler Army Airfield on a peaceful Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941, was remembered Friday during a ceremony sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 46 at the American Legion, Post 168.